Course Schedule for Fall 2019

Entrepreneurial Journalism

Most courses in the MPS Journalism program focus on the development of great content. This course focuses on the distribution and monetization of content. We will examine the core business concepts of the evolving media landscape to help students understand how to develop and evaluate entrepreneurial pursuits in journalism. Along the way, we will provide students with an ability to steer their careers toward opportunities with legitimate business potential. Case studies, readings, media surveillance and guest lectures will help students take an entrepreneurial view of their careers, with particular emphasis on how to build audience, distribute content and monetize with smart business models. Journalists who understand these issues will be better positioned to make informed career decisions and to discern opportunities in a range of media-related industries-­whether they choose to pursue an entrepreneurial venture or not. The coursework involves abroad examination of issues affecting media careers, as well as specific focus on a subject area of the student’s choosing. Students will learn - through reading, analysis and experimentation – how to drive their own success or to maximize their opportunities within a larger media company. The final project will consist of a detailed competitive analysis and formal business plan outlining audience, content and monetization strategies (the target can be a new website or refining an existing one).

Note: Students need prerequisites of MPJO 501 and MPJO 505. This course examines the media landscape to help students answer the critical question: How should you approach your media career in the rapidly evolving digital age? Case studies, readings, media surveillance and guest lectures will help students develop an entrepreneurial view of their careers, with particular emphasis on how to grow audience, distribute content and monetize with smart business models. Journalists who understand these issues will be better positioned to make informed career decisions and to discern opportunities in a range of media-related industries. The coursework involves a broad examination of issues affecting media careers, as well as focused research on a subject area of the student’s choosing. Students will learn – through reading, analysis and experimentation – how to drive their own success or to maximize their opportunities within a larger media company.

Ethics in Journalism

Ethics in journalism is not a list of DOs and DON’Ts tacked above your desk that you refer to when someone hands you stolen documents. Ethics in journalism is a series of decisions you make constantly, every day, in the routine exercise of you work. How many sources are enough for this story? What are the implications of referring to “campaign cash” instead of “campaign donations”? How much of the defendant’s quote should I use? This class is therefore intended to explore the myriad grey areas that dominate the way journalists work and live, the blurry lines that divide right from wrong, or, more accurately, divide “probably should” from “probably shouldn’t.” The goal of the class is to help you understand the ethical implications of the choices journalists make, to empower you to navigate the ethical minefield of attempting every day to explain to the world the activities of other people. This course is required for all MPS Journalism students, and must be completed by the second semester in the program. Students must earn a B (3.00) or higher in order to satisfy graduation requirements.

Note: Core requirement for the MPS degree. This course requires a grade of "B" or better. Additional 150 min. distance learning required. This course is required for all MPS Journalism students, and must be completed by the second semester in the program. Students must earn a B (3.00) or higher in order to satisfy graduation requirements.

Investigative Reporting

Students will learn the essential elements of investigative reporting through a combination of lectures, readings and hands-on project work. Students will experience a team approach to investigative reporting, from story concept to field reporting, research, writing and editing. We’ll also explore the role of data in investigative work. Ethics and legal aspects of investigative reporting will help form the framework of our discussions, and will complement material presented in the separate media law course. Course Objectives Develop skills in investigative reporting as well as an understanding of the role of such reporting in media organizations, across media platforms, and in the information marketplace.

Journalism Internship II

Internships are a great way for students to gain real-world experiences and network with professionals in the field. Many employers require at least some internship experience to appear on a student’s resume. Taking on an internship while in the MPS Journalism program can help students integrate and enhance the skills they are learning in the classroom with professional, hands-on experiences. Students must participate in the internship according to the guidelines furnished by the employer, and they will be required to submit a weekly 500 word writing assignment reflecting on the successes and challenges of the internship. At the end of each semester, the student’s supervisor must complete an evaluation of the student’s performance, and submit it directly to the MPS Journalism program. ** Students must receive approval from the MPS Journalism program prior to enrolling in the Internship class. Note: Extensive, documented academic activity and experiential learning outside of classroom (min. 6-8 hours per week) is required.

Note: This course is cross-listed with MPPR 873-02 and MPMC 774-02. This course needs approval from program.

MPS Journalism Capstone

The Master of Professional Studies Journalism degree program culminates in the Capstone. Each student produces a substantive and original reporting project on a timely issue that showcases his/her talents as a prospective journalist. It should be a major work of professional quality that requires extensive legwork, interviewing and research and will become the centerpiece of your portfolio. The Capstone experience is intended to provide students an opportunity to demonstrate that they have the journalistic skills, ethics and initiative necessary to be a professional journalist. The Capstone project is an independent reporting endeavor. Class sessions provide feedback and structure. Group instructors will give you guidance throughout the semester, and your small groups will serve as mini-newsrooms where you will be expected to give each other feedback and support. Successful completion of the MPSJ degree also requires submitting an ethics essay that reflects on your firsthand experience as a journalist. The essay will be graded as one of the assignments in the Capstone class. This is a core course of the MPS Journalism program, and students must earn a “B” (83) or higher to pass the course. Please see the Graduate Student Handbook for more details. Students with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA who receive a final grade of a B- or below may receive one opportunity to retake the course, if approved by the dean.

Note: Core requirement for the MPS degree. This course requires a grade of "B" or better to pass. The Master of Professional Studies Journalism degree program culminates in the capstone. Each student produces a substantive and original reporting project on a timely issue that showcases his/her talents as a journalist. It should be a major work of professional quality that requires extensive legwork, interviewing and research and will become the centerpiece of your portfolio. The capstone experience is intended to ensure that you have the journalistic skills, ethics, and initiative necessary to be a professional journalist. Students will choose a faculty advisor to meet with individually in addition to class sessions. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: By the end of the semester, students will be expected to: 1. Narrow down and sharpen the focus of a timely story idea 2. Demonstrate reporting enterprise and initiative 3. Produce a professional quality story that utilizes at least two media platforms 4. Address ethical issues that arise in your reporting The course is open only to MPS Journalism students who are in their final semester of the program. A minimum grade of "B" (3.00) or higher is required of students in the MPS Journalism Capstone to graduate regardless of their cumulative GPA.

MPS Journalism Internship

Internships are a great way for students to gain real-world experiences and network with professionals in the field. Many employers require at least some internship experience to appear on a student’s resume. Taking on an internship while in the MPS Journalism program can help students integrate and enhance the skills they are learning in the classroom with professional, hands-on experiences. Students must participate in the internship according to the guidelines furnished by the employer, and they will be required to submit a weekly 500 word writing assignment reflecting on the successes and challenges of the internship. At the end of each semester, the student’s supervisor must complete an evaluation of the student’s performance, and submit it directly to the MPS Journalism program. ** Students must receive approval from the MPS Journalism program prior to enrolling in the Internship class.

Note: Extensive, documented academic activity and experiential learning outside of classrom (min. 3-4 hours per week) is required. Needs Department Approval

Personal Branding (Cross-listed with MPPR 891)

ambiguous ingredients in a career strategy. This course will arm students with the resources to evaluate, improve, and employ personal branding strategies for themselves and for key members of their organizational team. The course will discuss personal branding strategies in both digital and event contexts – including social media platforms, presentations, and networking opportunities.

Note: Cross-listed with MPMC-891-01 and MPPR 891-01

Personal Branding (Cross-listed with MPPR 891)

ambiguous ingredients in a career strategy. This course will arm students with the resources to evaluate, improve, and employ personal branding strategies for themselves and for key members of their organizational team. The course will discuss personal branding strategies in both digital and event contexts – including social media platforms, presentations, and networking opportunities.

Note: Cross-listed with MPMC-891-02 and MPPR 891-02

Photo and Video Storytelling

Foundation requirement for Journalism majors. This course requires a grade of "B" or better to pass. Additional 150 minute distance learning component required Course Description: This course is designed to give the student the ability to communicate in the Video Age--whether for television or the web. We call it storytelling to emphasize the communication of ideas, rather than simply the technical knowledge of shooting and editing video. Students will begin by learning how shots work together, how to write compelling scripts, and how to use audio for best effect. Then students will work with professional camera equipment to develop shooting, lighting, and audio skills. The class will also have hands-on instruction in editing techniques using Final Cut Pro. By the end of the course, students should be comfortable in the video storytelling process--from the flash of an idea, to the finished product on the screen, in the field, and in the studio. Students who entered the MPS Journalism program in Summer 2010 and thereafter must complete this class and receive a grade of solid "B" (3.00) or higher in order to graduate.

Note: Foundation requirement for Journalism majors. This course requires a grade of "B" or better to pass.

Political Reporting

Students will learn the techniques of reporting on political candidates, events and issues. Through hands-on writing and reporting assignments as well as the analysis of the day's print, broadcast and digital political journalism, students will learn how to craft informative, contextual and balanced stories on politics. At the end of this course, students will be able to: *Understand the techniques of reporting on political candidates, events and issues *Find and develop sources in politics and in Congress *Craft informative, contextual and balanced political stories *Fact-check politicians' statements and campaign ads *Read and understand federal campaign finance reports

Note: This course requires MPJO 501 Reporting & News writing as a pre-req.

Reporting and News Writing

Journalism begins with basic reporting. This class focuses on the basics of beat reporting, one of the building blocks of any newsroom and journalism career. The class will also take a closer look at the reporting and writing process, from finding an idea to researching it, pitching it and executing it into a publishable article. Students will strive to become experts on the neighborhood they cover through old-school shoe leather reporting and will keep abreast of spot news while learning how to identify and pursue longer-form enterprise stories. The class will also have a Twitter handle and Facebook page — DChoods — where students will publish routinely and practice writing for social media and cultivating sources and finding story ideas using these new tools. The updates on Twitter and Facebook will not just be news stories, but also tidbits collected during visits to the neighborhood, which should be visited weekly at minimum. This is a core course of the MPS Journalism program, and students must earn a “B” (83) or higher to pass the course. Please see the Graduate Student Handbook for more details.

Note: Foundation requirement for Journalism majors. This course requires a grade of "B" or better. Students will learn the basics of news writing: how to write a powerful lead, how to gather and use sound bites and quotations effectively and how to produce compelling news stories. We will explore news values, interview techniques and master AP Style guidelines. Those looking to hone their reporting and communicating skills will find an abundance of hands-on practice. Students entering the MPS Journalism program in Summer 2010 and thereafter must complete this class and receive a grade of solid "B" (3.00) or higher in order to satisfy graduation requirements.

Speech Writing

Note: This course is cross-listed with MPPR 885. This course requires MPJO 501 Reporting and News writing as a pre-req.

Strt Career Planning & Mgmt

Managing your career and continuing your professional development are cornerstones to success. Whether you are aspiring to your next promotion, searching for a new job, or changing industries, understanding the elements of strategic career planning and professional development will guide you toward your goals. In today’s world economy, learning and implementing these strategies are essential to both personal and professional well being and success. There are specific professional management strategies that will ensure preparedness, marketability, and competitiveness for your next career move. Each week, we will focus on key elements of strategic career development using the previous week’s readings and assignments and by utilizing class activities that will demonstrate what you have learned. Individual participation and in-class assignments/presentations will be included to enhance the learning experience. This course will provide you with the knowledge and tools that can be customized and applied to your career and your vision for the future.

Note: Also listed as MPPR 560-01 & MPMC 560-01 This is a zero-credit, non-graded course. Students who miss more than two classes or more than one assignment will be administratively withdrawn from the course.